Mekorot and Workers Sign Landmark 5-Year Agreement with Significant Wage Increases
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Mekorot, Israel's national water company, and its workers' union have signed a new five-year collective agreement. The deal includes cumulative salary increases of over 20%, a NIS 13,000 signing bonus, and enhanced pension benefits. It also introduces new professional advancement tracks and salary structures. The agreement aims to improve employee conditions and aid in recruiting and retaining skilled workers for the water sector.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mekorot and its workers' union signed a new five-year collective agreement.
- Employees will receive cumulative salary increases exceeding 20% over the agreement's term.
- A NIS 13,000 signing bonus and a merit bonus equivalent to one month's salary are included.
- The agreement establishes professional advancement tracks for employees for the first time.
- New salary range models will raise minimum wages and expand promotion opportunities.
- The deal aims to improve employee conditions and aid in recruiting and retaining skilled workers.
Mekorot, Israel's national water company, and its workers' union have signed a new five-year collective agreement that includes substantial improvements in wages and employment conditions. The deal, finalized yesterday, aims to strengthen employees' standing and provide new professional development pathways.
Key provisions of the agreement include cumulative salary increases exceeding 20% over the contract's duration, a one-time signing bonus of NIS 13,000 per employee, enhanced pension contributions, and a merit bonus equivalent to one month's salary. Special salary increments are also designated for field workers responsible for maintaining the nation's water infrastructure.
For the first time in Mekorot's history, the agreement establishes a recognized professional advancement track across all core positions, acknowledging employee experience and expertise. This initiative is designed to offer long-term career prospects and foster professional growth. Additionally, a new salary range model will be implemented, raising minimum wage levels and expanding opportunities for salary progression, even for employees who have reached their current pay ceiling.
The agreement is intended to bolster employees' financial security, reward excellence, and improve working conditions, while simultaneously equipping Mekorot with better tools to recruit and retain skilled professionals. This is particularly relevant given the increasing competition for talent in engineering, technology, and operations, and the anticipated challenges facing Israel's water sector.
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen stated that the agreement is crucial for maintaining Mekorot's position as Israel's national water company, highlighting its resilience during recent emergencies, such as the algal bloom incident that affected desalination plants. Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar David expressed pride in the agreement, noting Mekorot's transformation into an innovative, technological company and emphasizing the importance of investing in human capital. Mekorot Chairman Moshe Shimoni underscored the agreement's significance in enabling the company to meet national challenges while safeguarding its workforce, particularly after employees ensured water continuity during the private desalination plant shutdown.
Mentioned
